3 Things We Learn From Surviving the Storm
Academy Mortgage is lucky to call Inky Johnson a friend.
Now a motivational speaker who shares his story with thousands, Inky was once a football great at the University of Tennessee, destined for the NFL. A routine tackle in a pre-season game turned into a life-threatening and career-ending injury for Inky. Nothing has been normal for him ever since.
I encourage you to read Inky’s story. He survived his storm and came out stronger, with an even brighter optimism and outlook on life. It would have been easy and understandable for him to become a bitter and unhappy man when his lifelong dream was snatched away from him in a moment. But Inky chose to find the good and value that comes when facing adversity.
Inky keeps three quotes at his desk that he reads before beginning each day. After hearing Inky share these messages in our companywide discussions, I think about them often. They are lessons I am striving to master and believe you may find value in them as well:
1. “What seems to us as bitter trials, are often blessings in disguise.” -Oscar Wilde
I was surprised to hear that Inky would not change what happened to him in the accident because of what this experience has brought to life. He is grateful and blessed to have his family, his home, and everything he needs. Let’s all take the time to acknowledge the things in our lives that we have gained through adversity and express our gratitude in whatever ways we can.
2. “When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person that walked in. That is what the storm is all about.”-Haruki Murakami
It’s comforting to hear that it’s OK to come of out of a trial a different person. The world may not be the same. Your job may not be the same. Your family may not be the same. But that may all be for the best! We can embrace what the storm has presented us and move forward.
3. “Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.”-Mary Jean Irion
Perhaps our greatest takeaway from the COVID-19 pandemic will be to never take normal for granted again. I am more aware than ever that we are not promised a tomorrow, let alone a perfect one.
While storms can wreak havoc in our personal and professional lives, they also teach us important lessons if we take the time to recognize from them. In my role as CEO, I have tried to be intentional in reaching out to team members across the country to check in and get their perspectives on this storm we’re all in. As I’ve listened to their stories, I am incredibly proud of our team members. Many have been required to step up, take on new roles and responsibilities, and collaborate with new people and teams across our organization to help maintain our company’s productivity and performance in these months of increased workloads and record production.
When this storm passes—and it will—I hope we see the blessings in disguise, embrace the changes that have occurred, and gain a deeper appreciation for normal. That is what we can learn from surviving the storm.